Engineering Joy: Iterating and Refining Lego Robotics with ‘Classic Carousel’

The ‘Classic Carousel’ lesson, the second stop in the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential ‘Amazing Amusement Park’ unit, is designed to immerse young builders (Years 1-2, Beginner, 30-45 minutes) in the core engineering process: design, prototype, and refine. This activity blends imaginative Lego Robotics construction with creative Lego Coding.

The challenge: Create a new, spinning ride for Sofie. Students begin by constructing a basic carousel model and then dive into Lego Coding using the SPIKE App to make the ride spin. This reinforces sequence and motor control.

However, the main objective of this lesson is improvement. Students are challenged to:

1. Code for Movement: Create a program that successfully makes the carousel spin.
2. Improve the Program: Change the code to make the movement smoother, faster, or more interesting.
3. Upgrade the Prototype: Physically and digitally “upgrade” the carousel for Sofie, incorporating new ideas from their brainstorming session.

By focusing on iteration, students learn that engineering is not a one-time event but a cycle of continuous improvement. They select from a wide range of materials and evaluate their ideas against the design criteria, strengthening their design and technology skills alongside their Lego Robotics expertise. ‘Classic Carousel’ provides the perfect context for young learners to understand that Lego Coding is a tool for constantly improving their robotic creations.

Alternatively, if you are looking for Coding Tutor in Hertfordshire to support your children with this, I can also help.